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EMA awards, Amy Knox, Auxiliary Unit 263, Thanksgiving Eve Safe Ride, Angel Tree project by Jaycees, Main Street Lincoln downtown holiday plans, Elkhart events, HSLC cookie trays, Lincoln leaf pickup

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[November 20, 2012]  Emergency Management Agency presents volunteer and professional recognitions

Thursday evening's Logan County Board meeting in the Logan County Courthouse, there were about two dozen extra guests. They were there for a Logan County Emergency Management Agency presentation of special awards.

Dan Fulscher, EMA director, made the presentations. He called forth four people for commendation. These people were recognized for their dedication to serving the community.

"This is the time of year that we really enjoy," said Fulscher.

The first award given was a Special Merit for Outstanding Community Volunteer.

"We had two people that were volunteers that our committee, as we were looking at this, it seemed like every time we turned around in the community, they were involved," said Fulscher.

The Special Merit was awarded to Roy Logan and Marcia Greenslate. These two volunteers are frequently seen at the balloon festival, at any celebration for the city of Lincoln and at the park district's gathering for the Fourth of July.

"They always do it with such a smile on their face," said Fulscher. "People look at you (Logan and Greenslate) and they smile, and they have a good time; and there is no doubt in our minds that we are very proud to give Marcia and Roy this Special Merit Award."

Greenslate commented: "I can honestly say that I wasn't prepared. When we were first invited by Dan to come, we looked at each other, and we were like, 'What's that about?'" She also said that being active in the community is big part of who they are.

Logan wasn't expecting it either. He said: "My first question was, 'We're not in trouble are we?'"

The second award presented was the Larry Shroyer Award.

"This is for people in emergency management and emergency services and the community who have dedicated their life to emergency services," said Fulscher.

This year the award was given to two people.

The first of the recipients was John Bunner.

Bunner began his 35-year service in law enforcement in 1977, when he joined the Lincoln Police Department. He was promoted to corporal in 1982 and again to sergeant and detective in 1989. He retired from the city police in 2006 and became a truant officer for the regional superintendent of schools for the following year. Bunner was hired by the Logan County Sheriff's Department as a lead detective in 2007 and is still employed there.

The sheriff often attends board meetings as part of security measures.

A surprised Bunner said: "Sheriff Nichols told me to be here tonight, and he didn't tell me anything about this. I do appreciate this award and thank you very much."

The second recipient was Terry Storer.

Storer came to Lincoln in December of 1977. He was a paramedic with Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital from that point until December 1999. He is also former adjunct faculty member at the University of Illinois-Urbana. From 1995 through 2005, he worked as a firefighter and paramedic with the Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District. Storer joined the Logan County Emergency Management Agency in December 2000 as deputy director and continues in that position.

"Terry's probably the only person I know of who takes a pay cut from paramedic to come work as assistant director," said Fulscher.

In 2004 and 2012, Storer led in the development of a state-level homeland security plan. In 2004, Logan County was the first county selected to run such a plan. Storer is the only individual in the state of Illinois who has led such a development process twice.

"That is the benchmark that is being taught to the rest of the people in Illinois," said Fulscher.

Storer is also in charge of the communications plan and the hazard mitigations plan.

Fuslcher said he was surprised when he realized Storer's name was not on the list of award recipients before this year.

"Talk about EMA 911's 'wind beneath the wings,'" said Fulscher.

In accepting his award, Storer said: "It's an honor. I've worked with some great people. Logan County is fortunate because we've got a group of volunteers throughout the county that give so much."

This award was first given in 2000 and is named for Larry Shroyer. Shroyer was one of the men present when the Logan County Safety Complex was opened and paid for, and he wrote one of the first emergency management operation plans for the county.

Past recipients of the Larry Shroyer Award:

  • 2000 -- Carl Faith, Glenn Mason

  • 2001 -- Gene Bathe, Everett Kennett

  • 2002 -- Doug Dutz, Roger Leesman

  • 2003 -- Ernest Jeckel, Warren Wendlandt

  • 2004 -- Stan Anderson, Mark Mann

  • 2005 -- Jim Hubrich, Robert "Bucky" Washam Jr.

  • 2006 -- Dianne Ruff, Norma Bathe

  • 2007 -- Mike Patridge, Steve Siltman

  • 2008 -- Stuart Erlenbush, Dick Logan

  • 2009 -- Steve Nichols

  • 2010 -- Rick Bacon, Bob Thomas

  • 2011 -- Barb Kline, Randy Conklen

[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]


Amy Knox named November Employee of the Month at ALMH

Amy Knox has been named the November Employee of the Month at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Knox works as a physical therapist in the rehabilitation services department.

After working at ALMH only seven months, Knox has already made an impact by creating great patient experiences. A patient nominated her for the award.

"Amy was pleasant and professional during my therapy treatments. She explained my causes of pain and the exercises to help relieve the pain very well. Amy was a great motivator, encouraging me every step of the way even when we found more pockets of pain to deal with as my sessions continued. I have been recommending ALMH therapy to others. It is great," said the patient in the nomination.

Knox was born and raised in Rushville and currently lives in Athens. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Illinois College and completed a doctorate program in physical therapy at Washington University in St. Louis. As a physical therapist, Knox evaluates patients to diagnose their movement impairments and works with the physical therapy assistants to develop a course of treatment.

"Physical therapy is a challenging but rewarding career. Working with patients who have a variety of diagnoses means no two days are ever the same. You never get bored," said Knox.

Knox said she enjoys working at ALMH because of her great co-workers.

"I learn something new from them every week," she said.

ALMH is a 25-bed critical-access hospital located at 200 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln and affiliated with Memorial Health System. ALMH employs 310 in a variety of roles. Each month someone is honored as Employee of the Month. For more information about ALMH, visit www.almh.org.


November American Legion Auxiliary meeting canceled

The Nov. 21 meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 263 has been canceled.

The December meeting and Christmas party will be on Dec. 19 in the Mary Pat Room at the American Legion, with a potluck at 6 p.m. Members should note the time change. Members are to bring a dish to pass. Meat and table service will be provided. There will be a $10 gift exchange.


Safe Ride available for Thanksgiving Eve

There's a safer alternative to driving for anyone who has too much to drink while celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday.

Safe Ride will be available in Lincoln on Wednesday to those who need it. Safe Ride is a free ride home, sponsored by the Healthy Communities Partnership.

"The night before Thanksgiving is traditionally a time in Lincoln when people get together with old friends who are home for the holidays. Safe Rides will help to keep the streets safer for everyone who is celebrating. Our hope is that the community will remember the service is available and that bartenders will suggest it when necessary," said Angela Stoltzenburg, community partnerships manager.

Safe Ride will also be available on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

To receive a free ride home within the city limits on any of these nights, call the cab company, American Cab of Lincoln, at 735-9696.

Healthy Communities Partnership is a collaborative organization comprised of community agencies and private individuals striving to create the healthiest community in America. It is supported by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation. For more information or for updates, like Healthy Communities Partnership on Facebook or call 217-605-5008.


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Lincoln Jaycees Angel Tree project under way now

The annual Lincoln Jaycees Angel Tree is under way. The Angel Tree is a project to help the less fortunate children of Logan County. Tags with these children's names are placed on "Angel Trees" around the county. Employees or customers then pick a child from the names on the tree and buy them gifts. The Lincoln Jaycees distribute these gifts to the families in time for Christmas.

The public can find the Angel Trees at the following locations: Cracker Barrel, ALMH cafeteria, CEFCU, Blades Hair Salon, Illini Bank, Daisy's Hair and Nail Salon, and State Bank of Lincoln. Trees are also located at Eaton, Family Medical Center, Verallia, Sysco and International Paper for their employees.

Gifts need returned to businesses by Dec. 10.

The Lincoln Jaycees purchase gifts to go with any names not picked from the trees. If you would like to make a monetary donation, send it to: Lincoln Jaycees, P.O. Box 254, Lincoln, IL 62656.

Gift pickup will be at the Lincoln Jaycees Center, 325 S. Chicago St., on Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.

The Lincoln Jaycees are a not-for-profit organization serving Lincoln and the surrounding communities. The Lincoln Jaycees give young people between the ages of 18 and 40 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service and international connections. Membership meetings are on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Jaycees Center, 325 S. Chicago St., and are open to everyone.


Main Street Lincoln presents Christmas parade and holiday fun in historic downtown Lincoln

Main Street Lincoln invites the public to enjoy historic downtown Lincoln throughout the holiday season. With the height of the holiday season fast approaching, downtown businesses are readying for shoppers.

Nov. 24 is nationally recognized as Small Business Saturday. This event falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday and is dedicated to supporting small business in our communities. Shoppers are encouraged to continue their power shopping of Black Friday in downtown Lincoln, finding specials and bargains throughout.

On Nov 29, Main Street Lincoln and the city of Lincoln co-sponsor the annual Christmas parade. This year's theme is "Sending Holiday Greetings to Your Loved Ones" to honor the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln post office. Entries are being accepted through Nov. 23. The parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and take the same route as previous years. Prizes in many categories will be given. Following the parade, the Oasis Senior Center will host a chili and soup supper, along with craft items available, and Mr. Claus will be on hand for the children.

Throughout December, historic downtown Lincoln will be alive with the hustle and bustle of shopping and holiday cheer. Santa will make appearances throughout downtown Dec. 8, 15 and 22, with exact locations to be announced soon. Shoppers can enjoy the convenience and pride of shopping locally.

Main Street Lincoln, a volunteer-driven organization, is pleased to participate in the holiday shopping season, promoting our eateries, antique stores, thrift stores, one-of-a-kind shops, night life and entertainment, along with plenty of services and businesses.

For more information on any of these events, the Main Street Lincoln organization can be reached at 217-732-2929 or manager@mainstreetlincoln.com. Also, information and business specials are available online at https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetLincoln.


Elkhart Historical Society announces December events

ELKHART -- Elkhart Historical Society's annual Candlelight Chapel Service at St. John the Baptist Chapel will be on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Dining options are available before or after the services:

  • Wild Hare Cafe, Elkhart

  • Elkhart Town Hall, buffet by Central Illinois Catering
    Serving 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Make your service reservations by calling 217-947-2238; then go to the Elkhart Historical Society website, www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org, and download a reservation form, or stop by Horsefeathers in Elkhart to pick up a form. Reservations are limited.

Dinner reservation forms are also available at www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

On Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., the Elkhart Historical Society will present a book signing for "Lincoln's Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth Judicial Circuit" at Horsefeathers in Elkhart. Refreshments will be served.

Lincoln experts have called this new book superb, richly detailed and an effective lesson in the importance of political networking. This is the perfect time to obtain a signed copy of Guy Fraker's new book just in time for Christmas giving. Further information regarding the author and his book is available at www.lincolnsladder.com.


Humane Society of Logan County offers holiday cookie trays

Planning holiday parties or looking for gifts to give special friends or relatives? Let the Humane Society of Logan County do your holiday baking. HSLC is once again taking orders for holiday cookie trays. Each tray will contain three dozen fancy holiday cookies with a variety of at least 12 different kinds of cookies.

The cost is still only $15 per tray. Larger trays are also available.

To place your orders, call Adrienne at 217-732-1979. The deadline for placing orders is Dec. 1.

Orders can be picked up on Dec. 8 at Graue Inc., 1905 N. Kickapoo St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Logan County.


City of Lincoln leaf pickup dates announced

The city of Lincoln will provide leaf pickup services for residents again this year. Pickup days will be by ward and will run beginning next week through Dec. 3.

Only biodegradable bags of leaves will be picked up. Bags must be at the curb by 7 a.m. each day.

Leaf pickup dates:

  • Ward 1 -- Oct. 29, Nov. 9, Nov. 21

  • Ward 2 -- Oct. 31, Nov. 13, Nov. 26

  • Ward 3 -- Nov. 2, Nov. 14, Nov. 28

  • Ward 4 -- Nov. 5, Nov. 16, Nov. 30

  • Ward 5 -- Nov. 7, Nov. 19, Dec. 3

For those who wish to bring their leaves directly to the landscape waste facility, it is currently open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3:50 p.m. for all landscape waste. This will continue until Nov. 21.

On Nov. 24 the facility will return to regular hours: Wednesday and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3:50 p.m.


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